When you hear the sirens, you should SEEK SHELTER AND SEEK INFORMATION.

If you are outside, go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Do not open windows.

Once you are inside and safe, turn on a TV, radio or NOAA weather alert radio to be informed of the storm location, path and duration of the warning. There is no all-clear signal; once the warning has expired it is safe to leave your shelter location. Be aware, however, that the situation can change so be prepared in case another warning is issued for the area.

We strongly recommend that every residence, business and school use a weather alert radio with battery back-up. Weather alert radios automatically activate to warn and inform you whenever a warning is issued for the area.

Tornado watch -- Conditions are conducive to the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.

Tornado warning -- A tornado has been sighted by spotters or indicated on radar and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.

Severe thunderstorm watch -- Conditions are conducive to the development of severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.

Severe thunderstorm warning -- A severe thunderstorm has been observed by spotters or indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area.

In short, it means that something life-threatening is happening and you should go indoors and get more information. The specific guidelines (tornado, hail ,wind, etc.) for sounding sirens varies by jurisdiction, so check with your local community to find out the specifics if you are interested.

2. What should I do when I hear the outdoor warning sirens?

When the sirens are heard, go inside and tune to local media to get more information.

3. Why can’t I hear the outdoor warning sirens in my house?Sirens are an outdoor warning system designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching.

4. How can I get alerts when I’m at work or in my house?For alerts indoors, every home and business should have a NOAA Weather Radio All-Hazards. NOAA Weather Radio is like a smoke detector for severe weather, and it can wake you up when a warning is issued for your area so you can take appropriate action.

5. When are outdoor warning sirens tested?Sirens are tested according to local community or state policies. In the City of Sullivan, this is on the first Monday of each month.

6. Why don’t the outdoor warning sirens sound an all-clear signal?People should be indoors and monitoring local media for updates on the storm.

7. Will the outdoor warning sirens warn me of every dangerous storm?The safest approach is to be proactive and use all of the information available to protect yourself and your family from threatening weather. Nothing can replace common sense. If a storm is approaching, the lightning alone is a threat. Sirens are only one part of a warning system that includes preparation, NOAA Weather Radio, and local media.

8. Who activates the outdoor warning sirens?Sirens are typically activated by city officials, usually a police or emergency management personnel.

Mayors Message

Welcome to the City of Sullivan web page! On behalf of the residents of the City of Sullivan, Missouri I trust that by viewing our web page it will give you a glimpse into what our wonderful community has to offer. I also anticipate that you'll find our web page informative and helpful in a variety of ways. Contact information for elected officials and City administration is included so feel free to contact us with any questions.